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How Do I Choose and Complete the Best Stewardship Project?

The final lesson for this unit synthesizes all previous learning experiences. Students have gained an understanding of elephant seals, ocean ecology and some of the threats to their sustainability. Now itŐs time to take action in making beaches and oceans healthier places for the variety of living things that depend on them, from microscopic plankton to humans.

Time required: time varies Location: classroom, community, or Point Reyes National Seashore Suggested group size: entire class Subject(s): biology, art, computer skills, community service Concept(s) covered: stewardship, educating others, environmental responsibility Written by: Lynne Dominy and Christie Denzel Anastasia, National Park Service Last updated: 11/26/00

Student Outcomes
At the end of this activity, the students will be able to:

• Synthesize all other pre-visit, on-site, and post-visit lessons from this unit.



• Plan and implement an environmental stewardship activity to benefit the ecosystem they live in and depend upon.

National Science Standard Links (grades 5 – 8)
This activity is linked to the National Science Standards in the following areas:

• Content Standard F - Science in Personal and Social Perspectives; Populations, Resources, and Environments.

Materials
To be provided by the teacher:

• Varies by project, see teacher information sheet Discovering Northern Elephant Seals: Environmental Stewardship Projects

Vocabulary
stewardship

Procedures

1. Decide on lesson approach based on time limitations
   Review the teacher information sheet Discovering Northern Elephant Seals: Environmental Stewardship Projects following this lesson. This sheet explores the range of Stewardship Projects your class can complete according to time constraints. There are many possibilities ranging from short lessons to more in-depth, interdisciplinary projects that may fulfill educational standards for other subject areas.



2. Prior to any lesson, introduce concept of environmental stewardship
   Begin a discussion of who has responsibilities for natural resources. There are federal agencies such as the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, state agencies such as California Fish and Game, and local organizations. Introduce the concept that organizations such as schools and individuals such as students also have responsibility.
   
   Every day we decide on an individual level what our impact will be on the environment based on our actions. It's usually positive or negative, rarely neutral.



3. Review teacher resource Discovering Northern Elephant Seals: Environmental Stewardship Projects for the following lesson options
   • How to Positively Effect Species and Their Habitats (activity sheet)
   • Create Tools to Educate Others
   • Implement a Community Project
   • Participate in Volunteer Programs at Point Reyes National Seashore
   • Support Stewardship Organizations and Be an Advocate for Your Beliefs



4. Assist with evaluation of Creating Coastal Stewardship through Science
   "Coastal Stewardship Day", or participate in a beach clean-up, let us know by sending photos, stories, or student materials. Call (415) 464-5139 to leave a message with the Education Coordinator of Point Reyes National Seashore.

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